Iceland Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel Tolls: Complete Payment Guide 2025
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Iceland Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel Tolls Complete Guide
System: Electronic license plate recognition only (no toll booths)
Coverage: Single tunnel in North Iceland (99.9% of Iceland toll-free)
Currency: Icelandic Króna (ISK)
Technology: ANPR cameras, online payment system
Operator: Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel (privately funded)
Website: veggjald.is
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Iceland? 2025 Update
No, you don't need to pay tolls for 99.9% of driving in Iceland - there's only one toll road in the entire country. Iceland has just one toll tunnel, the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel in North Iceland near Akureyri, making it one of the most toll-free countries in the world.
Key Reality: The Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel charges 2,152 ISK for cars (effective June 1, 2025), but you can completely avoid this toll by taking the scenic mountain route (Route 83/84).
2025 Update: The Icelandic government is applying Road Tax to all registered vehicles in Iceland in 2025, and national park parking fees continue at popular destinations like Þingvellir and Skaftafell.
Iceland Toll Costs: Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel Rates
Iceland operates just one toll tunnel, making it remarkably simple compared to other countries. The 7.4 km Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel connects Eyjafjörður and Fnjóskadalur, shortening travel between Akureyri and Húsavík by 16 km.
Current Tunnel Toll Rates (2025)
| Vehicle Type | Weight Category | Single Trip (ISK) | Return Trip (ISK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars, Motorcycles | Under 3.5 tons | 2,152 ISK (~$15 USD) | 4,304 ISK (~$30 USD) |
| Small Trucks, Large SUVs | 3.5 - 7.5 tons | 2,968 ISK (~$21 USD) | 5,936 ISK (~$42 USD) |
| Heavy Trucks, Buses | Over 7.5 tons | 6,255 ISK (~$44 USD) | 12,510 ISK (~$88 USD) |
| 10-Trip Package | Cars only | 15,370 ISK (~$108 USD) | Bulk discount available |
Penalty Fees for Late Payment
| Payment Timing | Cost (Cars) | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Within 24 hours | 2,152 ISK | No additional fees |
| After 24 hours | 2,152 ISK | +1,490 ISK collection fee |
| Rental car admin | Total bill | +€20-25 service fee |
How to Pay Iceland Tunnel Tolls
The tunnel uses automatic number-plate recognition to collect tolls and is completely unmanned with no toll collection booths. Here are your payment options:
1. Online Payment (Recommended):
- Website: veggjald.is (official tunnel payment portal)
- Payment window: 24 hours before OR 24 hours after tunnel passage
- Required: License plate number, credit/debit card, date of travel
- Pre-payment option: Register plate 24+ hours before travel
2. Mobile App Payment:
- Veggjald app: Available for iOS and Android
- Features: Vehicle registration, payment tracking, trip management
- Same 24-hour payment window as website
3. Automatic Billing (If You Don't Pay):
- If not paid within 24 hours, a toll bill with collection fee is sent to the vehicle owner
- Rental car companies charge the bill plus admin fees (€20-25)
- Total cost increases significantly with penalties
To calculate toll costs for all vehicle types in Iceland, use TollGuru Iceland toll calculator
Can I Avoid Iceland Tolls?
Yes, you can completely avoid the tunnel toll by taking the original scenic route. The tunnel replaces a 21 km section of Route 1 including the Víkurskarð pass, often closed during winter.
Toll-Free Alternative Routes:
- Route 83 → Route 84: Original Ring Road path around Víkurskarð pass
- Summer driving: Safe and scenic, adds 15-20 minutes to journey
- Winter conditions: Often impassable due to snow and strong winds
- Total distance: Additional 16 km compared to tunnel route
When to Use the Tunnel: Winter travel (October-April), time constraints, weather concerns, or comfort preferences.
Recent Changes (2025)
Toll Rate Updates:
- June 1, 2025: Car tolls increased to 2,152 ISK (from 2,110 ISK)
- All vehicle categories received proportional increases
- 10-trip bulk packages remain available for frequent users
Other Iceland Road Developments:
- 2025 Road Tax implementation for all registered vehicles in Iceland
- National park parking fees continue: 1,000-1,200 ISK at major parks
- Hvalfjörður Tunnel remains toll-free (since September 2018)
Iceland Tunnel Technical Details
Vaðlaheiðargöng Tunnel Facts:
- Length: 7.4 km (4.6 miles) - one of Iceland's longest tunnels
- Location: Route 1 (Ring Road), just east of Akureyri
- Opened: 2018 (privately funded construction)
- Construction cost: ISK 11.5 billion (~$96 million USD), 44% over budget
- Special feature: Internal temperatures reach 22-26°C due to geothermal water ingress
Free Tunnels in Iceland:
- Hvalfjörður Tunnel: Under Hvalfjörður fjord (toll-free since 2018)
- Vestfjarðagöng: 9.1 km, Iceland's longest tunnel (Westfjords)
- Héðinsfjarðargöng: Two tunnels, 10.6 km combined length
- Arnardalshamar Tunnel: Shortest tunnel in Iceland (Westfjords)
Planning Your Iceland Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Single tunnel toll: ~$15 USD (avoidable by scenic route)
- National park parking: ~$7-8 USD at major parks
- Rental car admin fees: €20-25 if you forget to pay toll
- 99.9% of Iceland roads are completely toll-free
Seasonal Driving Tips:
- Summer (May-September): Víkurskarð pass route is safe alternative
- Winter (October-April): Tunnel recommended for safety and reliability
- Weather apps: Monitor road conditions on road.is and vedur.is
- Emergency kit: Essential for all Iceland winter driving
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to pay tolls to drive around Iceland?
No, 99.9% of Iceland roads are toll-free. Only the Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel near Akureyri charges a toll, and you can avoid it by taking the scenic Víkurskarð route.
What happens if I forget to pay the tunnel toll?
The bill goes to your rental company with a 1,490 ISK collection fee, plus the rental company's admin fee (€20-25). Total cost increases from ~$15 to ~$50+.
Can I pay the tunnel toll with cash?
No, cash is not accepted. Payment must be made online via veggjald.is or the Veggjald mobile app using a credit or debit card.
Is the Hvalfjörður tunnel near Reykjavik tolled?
No, the Hvalfjörður tunnel has been toll-free since September 2018. You might find outdated information online suggesting it still charges tolls.
Are there plans for more toll roads in Iceland?
No confirmed plans exist for additional toll roads. The Vaðlaheiðargöng tunnel was privately funded, while most Iceland infrastructure is government-funded and toll-free.
Iceland vs. Nordic Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iceland | Single tunnel toll | ~$15 USD/trip | 1 tunnel only |
| Norway | AutoPASS electronic | $1-15 USD/toll | 200+ toll stations |
| Sweden | Congestion charges | $1-4 USD/entry | Stockholm, Gothenburg only |
| Denmark | Bridge/tunnel tolls | $3-50 USD/crossing | Major bridges only |
| Finland | Toll-free roads | No tolls | Entire network |
Useful Links & Resources
Payment & Information:
- veggjald.is - Official tunnel payment portal
- Veggjald mobile app - iOS and Android payment app
- info@tunnel.is - Tunnel operator contact email
Driving Information:
- road.is - Official Iceland road conditions and closures
- vedur.is - Iceland weather service for driving conditions
- Safetravel.is - Official travel safety information
Related TollWiki Pages:
- Norway Toll Roads - AutoPASS electronic toll system
- Sweden Toll System - Stockholm and Gothenburg congestion charges
- Denmark Bridge Tolls - Øresund Bridge and ferry crossings
- Finland Roads - Toll-free Nordic driving
